To my fellow Odyssey writers,
I'm sure you all remember hearing the announcement that Odyssey was looking for student writers at your school. For some of you, the clouds opened up and you heard the writing Gods sing, letting you know that this was your calling, and for others, you were probably scratching your heads wondering what this "Odyssey" thing is, but signed up anyway because you had something to say (or just had a funny list in mind).
Whatever your intentions were when you joined, you've probably experienced one of these many pangs of being an Odyssey writer.
1. Attempting to brainstorm a novel and insightful article.
This is your shining moment. All of the ideas that have been brewing in your brain for the past few months now have the opportunity to be shared with the world. The only problem is it seems that everyone has already written about them.
2. So you end up writing a goofy list instead.
Who needs to be original and philosophical when you can be relatable and hilarious?!
3. What is this "AP format" you speak of?
Even though you've been doing this for a while, you're still unsure whether you put a movie title in quotes or italics. While some people may call you lazy for not checking, you just see it as letting your editor do their job!
4. Your editor is constantly on you about your deadlines.
24 hours before your article is due, your phone is blowing up with texts and emails from your editor reminding you that your article is due at midnight! You think, "Oh my God, this is so annoying, do they actually think I'm not gonna get it in on time?!"
And then you end up needing an extension.
5. Feeling conflicted about writing an article on a topic that you care about or writing an article for the sake of shares.
You really want to write your article on why wearing socks and sandals is the hottest trend right now (it isn't), but you don't think anyone will share it (they probably won't). But, you could write an article about the 10 things you learn from your freshman year roommate, which will inevitably be popular.
6. Your ego ends up winning nine out of 10 times.
"10 Thing You Learn From Your Freshman Year Roommate" it is!
7. You think your article is literary genius, but it ends up getting only five shares.
You just spent hours researching, editing, and pouring your heart and soul into your article, and can't even break 10 shares. WTF???
8. You think your article is the most idiotic post on the internet, and it ends up going viral.
While this makes absolutely no sense because you pulled this idea out of your butt three hours before your article was due, you really couldn't care less. You're too busy soaking up your 15 minutes of fame.
9. Getting to the 10th point in your list of "10 Things That All *insert types of people here* understand" and not knowing what to write.
So you just make it nine. #Ironic
